The Coach of the Year honor went to Madison's Kevin Lynott. The Dodgers had a banner season, their best in more than two decades. Madison earned Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference-Independence Division and North Jersey Section 2, Group II sectional championships in 2011. It was the first time since 1987 that Madison had captured a sectional state title.

Close to 100 soccer players from Morris County teams, as well as parents and coaches, attended the banquet which celebrates the end of the scholastic soccer season.

Zimmerman's story is one of determination. She missed her sophomore year due to a concussion she suffered during a club tournament game and rebounded to have brilliant junior and senior seasons. Despite her success, Zimmerman is not someone who cares to talk about herself very much. Personal accolades seem unnecessary to her.

"She is just such a great kid,'' Lynott said. "No matter what she does in life, she's going to be successful because that's the kind of person she is. It's not about her. She is a team player first and foremost. She gets along so well with the girls. There are no airs or graces. She will carry the soccer balls. She does what needs to be done. It's just very humbling.''

Zimmerman was pleased that her coach was named Coach of the Year. Lynott has worked for the last seven years to help build up the Madison program which had struggled before his hire.

"We're all pretty shocked,'' said Zimmerman with a laugh. "We're extremely happy for him. It's an honor for us to be coached by him. He deserves it after this past season. He really pushed us to be our best.''

Madison (15-5-2) played well on both offense and defense. The Dodgers registered 15 shutouts in 22 games and senior defender Rebecca Levin also earned first team honors. Zimmerman took care of the offense. She scored 22 goals and registered 14 assists helping the Dodgers improve their chances for success. The Madison coach was humbled by the honor and gave full credit to the Dodgers players.

"When you get recognized by your peers, I think it's a big honor,'' Lynott said. "In Madison, we kind of float under the radar a little bit. It's about the players. The players make you look good. As a coach, you hope that your players buy into your philosophy and that they work with you to achieve the goals. I had talented players and we did that. It's nice to be recognized for it.''

The season-ending event is a good way to celebrate the success of Morris County girls soccer teams. Madison and West Morris earned state sectional titles. Randolph was the Morris County Tournament champion. Mount Olive (American) and Mendham (National) also earned NJAC division titles. Kinnelon and Villa Walsh Academy shared the Liberty Division championship.

It was also a good way for some of the seniors to transition to playing in college next year. First-team selections Morris Knolls' Kristen DeRiggi (American), Mendham's Faith Sugerman (USC) and Zimmerman (Providence) are going to be continuing their careers on the Division 1 level.

"It's good,'' Zimmerman said. "Everyone is dressed up and sitting together with their teams. It's a good way to end the season.''

Morris County Girls Soccer Coaches Association

All-County teams

First team

Sr. F Anna Conklin – Randolph

Sr. F Emma Coccia – Morris Knolls

Jr. F Lina Proska – Chatham

Jr. F Victoria Portesy – Mount Olive

Sr. F Tiffany Kelly – Parsippany

Sr. M Jamie Hofstetter – Mendham

Sr. M Tyler Lusardi – Randolph

Sr. M Catherine Zimmerman – Madison

Sr. M Kristen DeRiggi – Morris Knolls

Jr. M Tara Soberajski – Morris Catholic

Sr. D Rachel Levin – Madison

Sr. D Kayla Coutts – Morris Knolls

Sr. D Amanda Berntsen – Chatham

Sr. D Kate Moyer – Villa Walsh

Sr. D Aine Schanche – Kinnelon

Sr. G Faith Sugerman – Mendham

So. G Mel Durbin – Randolph

Second team

Sr. F Julia Esposito – Villa Walsh

Sr. F Chalen Noble – Kinnelon

Sr. F Ingrid DiClemente – Kinnelon

Fr. F Gianna Bustamante – Morristown-Beard

Fr. F Paige Monaghan – Roxbury

Sr. M Jamie Bertoli – Morris Hills

Sr. M Britt Carmo – Parsippany Hills

Sr. M Maggie Higgins – Chatham

Sr. M Carly Horan – Mendham

So. M Britt Casola – Roxbury

Sr. D Tina Nassany – Morris Catholic

Sr. D Alana Ketzler – Mendham

So. D Maggie Hagen - Roxbury

Jr. D Julie Shields – West Morris

So. D Sam Brener – Randolph

Jr. G Morgan Maltby – Chatham

So. G Danielle Beniulis – Jefferson

Third team

So. F Alex Young – Mendham

Sr. F Giana Vitolo – Morris Knolls

Jr. F Tyler Madison – Parsippany Hills

Jr. F Emily Thomas – West Morris

So. F Melissa Kelly – Parsippany

Jr. M Kayla Aragon – Dover

Sr. M Kelly Kavanaugh - West Morris

So. M Carli DeNegris – Montville

Jr. M Paige Russell – Mendham

Jr. M Mae Noonan – Parsippany

Jr. M Danielle deTorres – Kinnelon

Jr. D Juliana Strelec – Villa Walsh

Sr. D Megan Olsakosky – Randolph

Sr. D Christina LoConte – Hanover Park

Jr. D Elena Wolfe – Parsippany

Sr. D Siobhan McCulloch – Madison

Fr. G Tori Gonzalez – Morristown-Beard

Sr. G Nicole Schmitt - Kinnelon

Sr. G Meg Calcaterra - Madison